How much does a geographer make?
a year · about $49 an hour
A typical geographer in the United States makes $102,040 a year, about $49 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
A geographer might compare satellite pictures, census numbers, and field notes on a computer map. They turn patterns—such as where people live or hazards occur—into maps and reports for planners or government teams.
Did you know? Geographers can layer satellite images with population maps to help governments plan disaster response and show where people may be at risk.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $66,770 and $136,660How do you become one?
In the US, study geography, physical science, and programming in high school, then earn a bachelor's degree; many start work in their early twenties. Research and some non-federal jobs may need a master's or PhD, but certification is optional.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, advanced study, strong GIS and data skills, and optional certification can all matter. Pay also differs by employer, location, and how complex the work is; most geographers work full time.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Maryland ($114,920), lowest in Texas ($79,170).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $66,770 | $102,040 | $136,660 | about 1,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $114,920 | about 210 |
| California | $114,460 | about 80 |
| Washington | $112,260 | about 40 |
| Virginia | $108,020 | about 130 |
| Missouri | $102,040 | about 40 |
Official definition: Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth’s surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geographers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3092.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY